The Guyana Public Service Union today condemned Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Chairman Rawle Lucas for what it said was his interference in the Authority and it said it has raised this matter with President David Granger.
A release from the GPSU follows:
The Guyana Public Service Union wishes to note its observations that the external interference of Mr. Rawle Lucas, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Revenue Authority has moved the environment of the organisation to a hostile and insecure one for staff at all levels evidently resulting in low morale and motivation.
The Executive Council of the Guyana Public Service Union wishes to advise that the Union is in support of its members of the Revenue Authority who are currently being confronted with unwarranted challenges.
The actions taken by the Chairman, particularly those recently executed may be deemed excessive and above that authorized by Act No. 13 of the Revenue Authority Act 1996 Revised Edition 2004. Further, there seems to be the continued culture of the past to effect promotions which disposed experience and qualified staff, and to terminate and dismiss staff at will and without due process.
The Union is also offended with the unfair categorization of the staff as being untrustworthy and apparently undermining authority and revenue targets, which by virtue of their employment are their fundamental roles.
The Union felt compelled to bring these concerns to the attention of His Excellency, President David Granger, the Hon Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan and the Attorney General, Mr. Basil Williams.
Staff are assured that the Union would stand resolutely with them throughout all challenges and excessive action being meted out arbitrarily and without merit. We however, urged all staff to maintain their professionalism and to continue to deliver quality service to the public which enhances the image of the Revenue Authority in the national interest.
